Hourou Musuko Review

Typically transgender anime characters are stereotyped as flamboyant, usually for comedic effect and in many cases blurring the line with homosexuality – think Grell Sutcliff (Kuroshitsuji). Few take it upon themselves to be serious and to address the issue of growing up in the wrong body with a degree of understanding and maturity. This is what makes Wandering Son magnificent. It explores transsexuality with such remarkable sensitivity and progression in an altogether realistic environment.

The show focused mainly on the dilemma of the male protagonist, Nitori Shuichi, through has two female cross-dressers (Chizuru Sarashina and Yoshino Takatsuki) as well. This dramatically demonstrates the blatant inequality in our modern patriarchal society, in that it is acceptable for females to wear male uniform to a public school without reprimand, however when reversed, a male student wearing a convincing sailor uniform has their parents called in immediately. Nitori even mentions the unfairness that only he was taken out of the school. And only he receives the ‘gay’ tag.

Which brings me onto another thing I admire, Wandering Son, very neatly separates transsexuality from homosexuality. The anime begins midway through the manga, leaving the cast to allude to prior events including a love triangle between Nitori, Takatsuki and another girl, Saori Chiba, which has led to friction between the two girls on the part of the rejected Chiba. In addition Nitori develops feelings for his sister’s friend, Anna, of whom he dates for a while. The romance element is genuinely touching, at the same time relationships are portrayed as complicated and messy, with friendships strained and individuals resentful. Isn’t this just a part of growing up? Needless to say, this is an authentic representation of the bitter truths adolescents face.

Wandering Son is a very slow paced show, even for only eleven episodes. However none manage to become needlessly padded. The storytelling flows from start to finish evenly with absolutely no hick ups. This is planning and writing at its finest. It’s convincing, complex and subtle. On the other hand, the animation is a different issue. At first I found it very creative and detailed, but after the series ended, I wasn’t as fond of it. I guess I just don’t care for the aesthetic, it felt a bit wishy-washy to me but I’m sure that just a personal preference.

In all, Wandering Son is nothing short of excellent. Highly recommended.

Rating: 9/10